Community, Conservation, and Care
Protecting Nature and Supporting People
Partnering with Communities to Protect Oceans
We have been working in partnership with the community for over 20 years and have created a conservation model that benefits both the local population and protects the natural marine ecosystem.
The Conselho Comunitário de Pesca (CCP) is the local fishing Council that helps monitor and protect no-take zones while ensuring the local fishing community’s interests are benefited. The Vamizi project has resulted in a better catch, both in terms of quantity and size, for the local fishermen. Local CCP’s in the neighbourhood now want to replicate Vamizi.
Conservation Through Education, Health, Women’s Empowerment, Financial Management and Local Livelihoods, Stronger Conservation.
Education:
Education is at the heart of what we believe will protect the marine ecosystem.
Our 2-classroom primary school opened in 2011, teaching up to 200 children through Grade 6. Until we can extend to the secondary level, we will continue to award annual scholarships to exceptional girls to ensure their continuation of studies in the nearest secondary school on the mainland.
Every Saturday, our conservation and community rangers work with school educators and UniLúrio students to deliver environmental education at the local school. We also organise field visits, allowing children to participate in hands-on conservation activities and see our work in action, building curiosity and commitment as future conservationists. Through donations, we help students with school supplies such as notebooks and, whenever possible, uniforms.
Health:
With support from Friends of Vamizi, a community clinic was built to improve access to healthcare. Through our community support program, we hired a doctor and provide essential medicines free of charge to local families, because caring for people is at the heart of what we do.
Women’s Association:
We developed a partnership model with the Women’s Associations from Vamizi’s three villages that creates income and strengthens women’s financial independence while protecting the marine ecosystem. Every week, association members collect plastic and other debris that drifts onto our shores; they are paid for these cleanups. This removes hazards for sea turtles, such as abandoned fishing nets, and keeps beaches free of waste that often arrives from abroad.
Local Livelihoods, Stronger Conservation:
Beyond beach cleanups, we also support community enterprises, including basket weaving and other crafts, which enable families to earn a living year-round through sustainable activities.
We invest in Vamizi’s people by buying locally and fairly. We source construction materials on the island whenever possible, purchase fisheries products directly from local fishers to strengthen household incomes, and promote responsible seafood practices: we do not buy coral-reef fish or any other threatened species.
Financial Management:
Through our conservation and community program, we support three savings groups across the three villages of Vamizi Island, providing guidance and basic savings materials. These groups enable members to build homes, meet essential needs, and strengthen household resilience.
Empower Communities & Advance Research
Healthy oceans depend on healthy communities — and strong science. By supporting local families, schools, women’s initiatives, and conservation research, you help communities thrive while giving scientists the tools they need to protect marine life.
